11 April 2017
Today I had an errand to run in town. Time was short, there would be no room for dilly dallying but there was something I had to go and have a look at while I was there. This week Southampton was hosting a festival of colour in the new Watermark esplanade. It sounded like it might be interesting so I thought I’d pop along for a quick look on my travels.
If nothing else it was a beautiful day for a walk along the river. The water was still and clear, all the rotting hulks reflected beautifully. Slowly I strolled along, enjoying the salty morning air. For a while I watched the giant machine moving scrap metal on the opposite bank. Further along I stopped again to watch the gulls sitting on the old jetty.
The tide was a long way out so the skeleton ship was marooned on the mud, along with the latest abandoned boat near the embankment. Daisies and cranesbill brightened the grass when I reached it and a few fungi were basking in the morning sun.
From the bridge I looked out at all the little boats moored in Chessel Bay and Kemps Quay. Then it was time to get marching towards town. Those errands wouldn’t do themselves and standing daydreaming on the bridge wasn’t getting them done.
Once I’d dashed around the shops I headed for Watermark. What I’d really have liked was a nice relaxed coffee and a sit down but there was no time for either. In fact there was barely time to walk around and look at the Festival of Colour but I couldn’t go home without at least having a peek. Straight away I could see the whole esplanade had been transformed into a riot of colour. The railings leading down the steps were tied with colourful ribbons and there was a huge sign saying COLOUR below Arundel Tower. A young man was busy turning it from white to a rainbow of brightness.
On the lower level a lot seemed to be going on. An old fashioned helter skelter and a merry-go-round reminded me of my childhood and made me wish I had some children with me. There were also people dressed as giant flowers. Much as I’d have liked to go down and explore I knew I didn’t have the time.
By necessity this was a flying visit but, when I turned to go, I discovered the steps I’d looked down earlier had also got the rainbow treatment too. Each one had been painted in the colours of the rainbow. Never before has Bargate had such a colourful neighbour.
Today’s visit may have been far too short and sweet but it proved the Watermark Development is a real asset. I can’t wait for the next event, hopefully I will have more time to enjoy it.
Please see my copyright information before you copy or use any of the above words or pictures.
That Festival of Colour looks wonderful, I would have enjoyed it a lot.The picture with the Helter-Skelter looks a bit like a Lowry.
I think Lowry would have liked the whole scene and turned it into a wonderful painting. Hopefully they will hold another Festival of Colour next year because I’d like to have seen more of it.
Hard to believe someone would just abandon that boat.
I like the idea of a festival of color. There’s no such thing as too much color!
There seem to be boats abandoned all along the river here. I find it hard to believe too. The Festival of Colour was a wonderful idea. I hope they have more of them.
Your title attracted me because I love, love color/colour, especially the stadium in rainbow hues. I agree: There is no such thing as too much color!
I love colour too. I think they’d did a great job of brightening the new esplanade.